Franz Schubert (1797-1828) was a very gifted composer of lieder and left us over 560 compositions for voice and piano. Their beautiful melodies were an inspiration to Franz Liszt (1811-1886), who became famous for his transcriptions of works by other
composers. No less than half of his voluminous output consists of transcriptions. Although the practice of transcription was commonplace in his time, Liszt is generally seen as one of the giants of the genre.

“Ständchen” (from the cycle “Schwanengesang” D. 957) is one of the songs by Schubert that Liszt transcribed. Whilst the transcription played here is inspired by the manner in which Liszt arranged the music, we strike out in an entirely new direction. Freer melodic decoration, more adventurous harmonies and greater dynamic contrast are combined with technical craftsmanship and unbridled imagination to make this song sound fragile and yet powerful at the same time.

“Morgengruß” (from the cycle “Die schöne Müllerin” D. 795) has an eloquent character even without the text. Its carefree simplicity is only occasionally interrupted by a passage in the minor key and the whole breathes an atmosphere of imperturbable rest and contentment.